Lakers GM Rob Pelinka Stays Committed to Keeping Core Amidst Free Agency Rumors
The Los Angeles Lakers plan to prioritize continuity in free agency, aiming to keep their core intact while making improvements around the edges. Despite a competitive Western Conference, Lakers' general manager Rob Pelinka believes the team is not far from winning their 18th championship. The Lakers have extended qualifying offers to Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves, and they plan to exercise Jarred Vanderbilt's team option. Key contributors such as D'Angelo Russell, Dennis Schroder, and Lonnie Walker are entering free agency, but the Lakers intend to focus on optimizing their roster rather than making massive changes. Their singular goal is to add the 18th banner.